It’s Different Down Under: A Budget Guide to Sydney

Why Go

With a dazzling variety of options for cosmopolitan travelers and those seeking a quiet and natural place to reflect, Sydney manages to provide something for everyone. Home to a flourishing artistic community that includes the theater scene and plenty of visual arts spaces, those in search of culture won't be disappointed. And travelers seeking nightlife options and exciting underground music will also be happy with what's afoot, as catchy synth bands become one of Australia's biggest exports. Those who want fine fusion cuisine and skyscrapers in the same square mile as a beach will also be delighted, since there are plenty of breathtaking stretches of sand, as well as breaks sought out by surfers from around the world. And with all of that action plus several nature reserves and parks, there's no need to retreat to the Australian Outback to get a taste of the country's flora and fauna; it can be done all within the city limits.

So whether it's a delicious night out on the town, the chance to make new friends in one of the city's bustling bars, or its picture-perfect views of world-famous architecture, there's something for everyone to love in Sydney. And with plenty of affordable hostels, free concerts, and other fun options for the cash-strapped, it's also a feasible pick for budget travelers.

Insider Tips

Depending on mode of transport and traffic, the trip between the airport and Sydney should take 15 to 40 minutes. The cheapest option is by public bus 400, which can be caught from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 and will take you via Anzac Parade to Bondi Junction for $0.90 – $3.20 (AUD). There are a number of private shuttle vans that will take you to your destination for $12-22 (AUD), but they require pre-booking. A taxi to Sydney city is 25$. An airport toll of $3 is charged, and the passenger must pay for any bridge or road tolls.

A good option, especially if you plan to use public transport, is to buy a Sydney Pass (with three, five, or seven day options, including unlimited travel on trains, buses and ferries) at the airport, as it includes your Airlink train fare to and from the airport. Otherwise, Airlink fare is approximately $15 each way. The train can be caught both at Terminal 1 and in between the domestic Terminals 2 and 3.

For getting around Sydney, in addition to the Sydney Pass, there are one-day “day trippers” that offer unlimited bus, train, and ferry travel until 4am the next day ($9-17), and also “city hoppers” (3-8$) that provide unlimited travel within the city only.

Sydney enjoys pleasantly warm summers and mild winters; note that as it’s in the southern hemisphere, the warmest months are December, January, and February, with highs of 77-80 and lows in the mid 60s. The coldest months are June and July, with highs of 60-62 and lows in the mid-40s. There’s also rain all year round, with the wettest months February through June.

For Sydney’s summer months, pack a bathing suit, towel, tropical strength mosquito repellent, sunscreen with an SPF 30 +, flip-flops, sunglasses, sun hat, shorts, and t-shirts. You may need some rainproof shoes, as the city is prone to flooding during heavy rain storms. In winter, be sure to also pack a light jacket.

The sun is extremely strong, due to a hole in the ozone, and even during winter or overcast weather people get sun burnt. Make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat.

Where to Stay

There are a number of backpacker-friendly places near Central Station and in Kings Cross for budget accommodations that range from $20 to 60. For those who want some international flair and local flavor in the same place, try the Jackaroo Hostel. Here, a brother/best friend duo promise to make their place a home away from home for travelers, and the truly friendly staff combined with clean, comfortable rooms make it a popular pick for internationals on a budget. Those who really want to save on accommodations can go with a dorm-style shared room, though it's also possible to enjoy a private room with private bathroom. Active types will also appreciate the fact that bike and surfing rental can be done through the hostel, which makes getting out and exploring the city that much easier.

The Bed and Breakfast Sydney Harbor is a nice step up for those who want lovely views of the harbor from a cozy, well-equipped room (rooms without harbor views have the tranquility of the private courtyard, which is great, too). Centrally located, this bed and breakfast is right on the rocks and offers a peaceful retreat, with comfy beds and a delightful, pleasant atmosphere. Travelers who need recommendations or reservations will find the staff does a great job at making arrangements.

Another delightful mid-range option, the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel offers an exciting space to retreat to after a day of exploration. Located in the city's most historic district, it is also the home to Sydney's oldest pub brewery, meaning travelers staying in one of the nine rooms are at the best possible location for enjoying a friendly bar with fantastic beers just downstairs. Regal and comfortable, it's a lovely and reasonably priced option for those who don't want the hostel scene but still desire a unique hotel.

Of course, if your budget allows for even a 1-night splurge, check out the Best Sydney 5-Star Luxury Hotels –you could even stay 2 nights free at the top-notch Park Hyatt Sydney, if you sign up for the Hyatt Visa, since the signup bonus (after first use of the card!) is 2 free nights in any Hyatt in the world.

What to Eat

Sydney has some of the finest cuisine in the world, due to its multicultural population. Some of the treats that simply must be sampled are fish and chips from Watson's Bay, Tiger Pie at Harry's Café de Wheels, Italian fare from Leichardt, deep-fried Mars Bars at Bondi Beach, and Yum Cha (a form of dim sum served from carts being pushed around the restaurant) in Chatswood. Other treats worth venturing out for are Chinese food from China Town and Arabic dishes from spots in the western suburbs. Here are a few favorite picks:

A great Malaysian restaurant in the heart of Chinatown, Mamak is known for a number of dishes. Try the roti canai, chicken or beef satay, nasi lemak with sambal udang and yam goring, and kangkung belacan. If you've managed to save room for dessert, a sweet roti and some teh tarok (a sweet, frothy tea) will be quite the perfect finish. The restaurant is located in Chinatown at 15 Goulburn Street.

Thai food lovers should head to Chilli Cha Cha (Shop 462, 40-50 Campbell St.) also in Chinatown, where they can indulge in crispy soft shell crab with peppery garlic sauce, larb with sticky rice, panang duck curry and other Thai favorites. Most entrees are $12-17, and the dishes will not disappoint.

Craving coffee and or a sweet treat for breakfast or a snack? Head to La Renaissance Café Pâtisserie for a cappuccino and pastry—favorites include the macaroons, eclairs, millefeuille, and the Zulu with bittersweet Valrhona chocolate mousse and caramel ganache center. Take your treats with you, or pay a bit more to enjoy them there, in the courtyard café, where you can also enjoy a selection of quiches, savory meat pies, and baguette sandwiches.

What to See

Perhaps Sydney’s most iconic feature is the Sydney Opera House. Even if you don’t manage to take in a an opera performance or concert here to appreciate its spectacular acoustics, it’s well worth taking either a one-hour guided tour (these depart every half hour) or the more in-depth two-hour early morning backstage tour, where you can peek into the stars’ dressing rooms. Other major Sydney landmarks include the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Town Hall, Fox Studios, Luna Park, St Mary's Cathedral and the Queen Victoria Building.

Central Sydney is wonderful to walk around and is easy to navigate on foot. The highlight is Sydney Harbor (also known as Port Jackson) and the Sydney Harbor National Park, which includes the smaller parks of Ashton Park on the North Shore and Nielsen Park to the south, as well as several harbor islands: Clark Island, Shark Island, Rodd Island, Goat Island, and Fort Denison. Goat Island (which is not open to the public) and Fort Denison (where tours are available) both were once used to house convicts.

Other green spaces worth a visit are the Botanical Gardens, Hyde Park, and Centennial Park. Some of the beaches, such as Bronte, Bondi and Tamarama, are connected via walkways along the coastline, which makes for a great walking tour. In summer, the pathway is lined with artworks for Sculptures by the Sea. If you’ve taken your walk and are ready to hit the beach, Bondi Beach is a good place to start, as much for people watching as for fun in the waves. Do pay attention to the red and yellow flags, and swim between them to avoid rip tides, as the sea can be very rough. There’s good surfing to be had at both ends of the beach.

There are many museums in Sydney and one of the most interesting is the Museum of Sydney, which provides a history of Australia and colonization. The Powerhouse Museum is a fascinating look at inventions through history and often has special interactive and educational exhibitions. For dinosaur fossils and natural history, there is the Australian Museum. The Art Gallery of NSW offers free entry to their collection, though charges apply to certain exhibitions. The Museum of Contemporary Art, also free, exhibits avant-garde works by local and international artists. There are several smaller art galleries around Sydney especially in areas such as Surry Hills (where you can visit the Brett Whitely Gallery) and Paddington.

Depending on when you visit, you may be able to catch one of Sydney's great festivals. Sydney largest international and contemporary Art festival is the Sydney Biennale. It takes place every two years, at different times, usually from early July to the end of August, with exhibitions in a variety of different art venues across Sydney. There are education and cultural programming, performances, film and so on as well as art exhibitions.

Tropfest is the world's largest short film festival. It got its name from its roots at the Tropicana cafe in Darlinghurst. It is free and the films and live judging can be viewed on the 21st of February at the Domain, a massive ground of open space and greenery in Sydney's central business district, off Mrs. Macquaries Road. Bring a blanket to sit on and get there early to find a good picnic spot.

For Mardi Gras, get ready for some serious fun in the form of a gay and lesbian parade, which goes up Oxford Street. This usually takes place late February to early March, and there are all sorts of other events and parties that take place around this time to celebrate, too. The parade itself is spectacular and can be watched from the side of the street or from a well-positioned balcony that overlooks the action.